Starz cancels ‘Boss’ after two seasons

Cable net ends Kelsey Grammer series due to low ratings

Starz has canceled the Kelsey Grammer series, believing there was little chance that viewership would improve in a third season.

As is its practice with original series, Starz launched the Lionsgate-produced “Boss” without a pilot. That strategy, according to the net, will continue with its other upcoming series.

For multiple telecasts of its episodes in season two, “Boss” averaged 937,000, slightly down from season one.

Unlike with “Magic City,” the pay cabler didn’t have all the global rights to “Boss” and therefore didn’t see any worldwide or ancillary revenues. “Magic City,” which is fully owned by Starz (including DVD rights), is performing only slightly better, but there is a higher financial upside to keeping it on the air.

About a Machiavellian Chicago mayor who is battling a crippling neurological disease while also striving for political power, “Boss” ended its run Oct. 19 after a total of 18 episodes.

Starz topper Chris Albrecht ordered a second season of “Boss” in fall 2011 before the first season debuted.

Grammer, known best for his comedy chops, was widely praised for his role as the mayor and won a Golden Globe earlier this year.

In a statement, Starz said: “We remain proud of this award-winning show, its exceptional cast and writers, and are grateful to Kelsey Grammer, Farhad Safinia and our partners at Lionsgate TV.”

Network confirmed there are discussions for a two-hour movie that would act as a creative conclusion to the series, but there is no timetable for that going forward.

Starz continues its search to find a drama that will gain the kind of recognition and ratings traction achieved by the likes of series such as HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and Showtime’s “Homeland.”

As for what’s ahead for Starz, in addition to a second season of “Magic City,” there is the final season of “Spartacus,” David Goyer’s “Da Vinci’s Demons” as well as author Philippa Gregory’s “The White Queen.”